Botha spins in

Spinner Ant Botha took a wicket with his first ball after signing for Warwickshire for the remainder of the season.

By Stephen Pass

Last Updated: 04/09/07 1:09pm

Spinner Ant Botha took a wicket with his first ball after signing for Warwickshire for the remainder of the season.

The South African-born slow left-armer was released with immediate effect by Derbyshire on Saturday, allowing him to play for the Bears in their NatWest Pro40 match against the Northants Steelbacks the next day.

And he marked a successful debut with a two-wicket haul, capturing Riki Wessels caught and bowled for 52 with his first ball.

But his two for 49 from seven overs was not enough to save his new team from a six wicket defeat.

Welcoming Botha's move, Warwickshire club captain Darren Maddy told the club's website: "It is great to have Ant joining us. He is a multi-skilled cricketer with the desire and potential to further improve his already well rounded game."

Exciting

Botha, who has signed a two-year contract with the Bears after rejecting an offer of a new deal from Derbyshire, added: "At this stage of my career I feel this is the right move for me and an exciting opportunity."

Botha represented South Africa Under-19's, Natal and Easterns prior to moving to England.

Nicknamed Botox, he joined Derbyshire in 2004 and is having his best season since then, having already taken more than 50 first-class wickets.

He has also scored more than 3,000 first class runs and is an excellent fielder.